A Sermon on

Why are we here?

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do
not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in
his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart
his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:43-45 NIV)

Since I was a young boy I've always asked myself this very question, why are we here, on this Earth? My loving
Mother (A very strict Greek Orthodox Christian) always told me that this life is a test from GOD. We must be
good people and follow the teachings of Jesus, and abide by the sacred words of the Bible.

Well, I did as my Mother instructed me and followed the Bible as I was taught. My life was full of joy and
happiness, a good Christian life, full of friends and family that loved one another, everything was as GOD
intended.

I fell in love, and was married in a beautiful Catholic ceremony. We were very happy.

Then my test began. My wife was diagnosed with Cancer, I saw my life come crashing down around me. The day
we received the news I prayed to Jesus to help us through this. The next day, the Doctor told me it was a type of
Cancer that was curable. Six years later, she was gone.

The day she died, I prayed, I asked GOD...WHY........Why did you take my love from me? There was no sign, I
didn't know why he did this. I was devestated.

Now I have come to the realization of why we are here. My Mother told me, there is a reason for GOD to take
her, and your purpose for being here will be quite clear soon enough. First, if I haven't met my wife, I wouldn't
have been able to help her Father, who she adored, get through some tough times in his life.

Next, because GOD gave me the strength to move on, I could not have helped the people I have helped, and if
she wasn't taken from me, I may not have realized they needed help, or for that matter, even existed. I'm proud of
what I have accomplished, and would not change a thing.

One life touches so many, and a lot of Christian's don't even realize this. We are all put on this Earth for a reason,
and I believe this with all my heart. Some may disagree with my comments here today, I understand that, but if
you follow the teachings of Our Lord, you will not question what happens in your life. You will say to yourself,
there is a reason for this, and I will know the reason soon enough.

I'm not saying I know all the answers, but my Orthodox upbringing, has opened my eyes to the workings of Our
Lord. The old saying "The Lord works in mysterious ways" holds true. You don't know what life will bring, and
what you'll be called upon to do. Follow the teachings of the Bible and you CAN'T go wrong.

In conclusion, If you can, go out and help those less fortunate than yourself. Visit a nursing home, a hospital, help
a homeless shelter, or just do a good deed for someone. I promise you, you'll feel better about yourself. As
Christians, we must follow the path of Jesus, and do his work on this Earth. Like my Mother said, this is a test,
and I hope all of us will pass. Love one another, and keep Jesus in your hearts, always. Help your fellow man and
you will be rewarded in Heaven.